As the sun rises over Greece on Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), we can’t help but feel a sense of renewal. Today, family and friends will gather outdoors to enjoy a day filled with tradition, delicious fasting foods, and… kite flying. This day is a special day in Greece, as it marks the beginning of Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. But it’s not just about faith and religion. It’s also a wonderful celebration of Greek culture, nature, and food.
The Meaning Behind Clean Monday
Clean Monday is the Greek version of Ash Wednesday. It signals the transition from the indulgence of Apokries (Greek Carnival) to a more reflective and fasting period leading up to Easter. The word “clean” represents the cleansing of the body and soul. At this time, people leave behind non-fasting foods, such as meat and dairy, and begin a diet of plant-based and seafood dishes.
It’s also a public holiday in Greece, and I love how locals take advantage of the day to head outdoors, gather with family, and enjoy a meal in nature. Parks, hills, and beaches are packed with people flying kites. Kite flying is a lovely tradition which symbolises the soul’s journey towards purity and spiritual elevation.
A Feast Without Meat or Dairy
Clean Monday is synonymous with delicious fasting food. Even with the food restrictions beginning on Clean Monday, the menu is anything but dull. We always look forward to the vibrant and tasty dishes that have been a part of our country’s culinary history for centuries. Here are some must-try Clean Monday specialities:
1. Lagana Bread
A crispy, sesame-topped, unleavened flatbread that is ONLY baked for Clean Monday. It’s the star of the table, perfect for scooping up dips and spreads.
2. Taramasalata
A creamy dip made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon, and bread crumbs. This rich, savoury spread is a staple on everyone’s Clean Monday feast table.
3. Dolmades
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and lemon give a fresh and tangy bite that pairs perfectly with other Lenten dishes.
4. Olives & Pickles
Since dairy is off-limits, olives, pickled vegetables, and capers add lots of flavour to the meal.
5. Seafood Delights
While meat is forbidden, seafood like octopus, squid, and shrimp are allowed, so they are firm favourites for a Clean Monday feast.
6. Fava (Yellow Split Pea Dip)
A silky, smooth purée of yellow split peas, olive oil, and lemon, fava is a classic Greek dish that shines on this day.
7. Halva
A sweet dessert made from tahini, semolina, or nuts, it’s often infused with cinnamon and topped with almonds or raisins. It’s a must for rounding off the meal.
The Joy of Kite Flying 🪁
One of our favourite Clean Monday traditions is kiteflying. As the morning meal comes to an end, families head outdoors to fly their kites high into the sky. This custom is believed to represent the soul’s ascension toward purity and spiritual clarity.
Parks, countryside fields, and beaches are filled with children and adults competing to see whose kite flies the highest. I always find it so magical to watch the sky fill up with colourful kites dancing in the wind.
Where to Celebrate in Athens
If you’re in Athens for Clean Monday, there are so many great spots to experience the festivities:
wonderful and enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Lycabettus Hill – offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and is a favourite for family gatherings.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre – hosts organised Clean Monday celebrations with music, dance, and kite-flying activities.
Beaches near Athens (Schinias, Sounio, or Anavyssos) – perfect for enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
Experience Clean Monday Like a Local
Whether you’re in Athens or any other part of Greece, Clean Monday is a wonderful way to experience Greek traditions, nature, and cuisine. So grab some lagana, dip into some taramasalata, and let a kite fly high—because in Greece, even fasting days are full of flavour and joy.
The 40 days of lent start on Clean Monday and end on Greek Easter Sunday, which just happens to be the same as the UK this year, for the first time in a long time.
If you’re visiting Athens for Clean Monday, join one of our food tours to experience authentic Greek flavours and local traditions firsthand! Explore our tours here!
